Martha and Joe Isles of Broughty Ferry admire Oor Wullie at last night’s launch of the first national bucket trail for the ARCHIE Foundation. Picture: Steven Brown.

Comic creation will appear all over Scotland to raise cash for children’s charities

Oor Wullie was the centre of attention in his home city as the first-ever national bucket trail starring the cheeky comic book character was launched in Dundee.

A total of 150 Oor Wullie sculptures will take to the streets of not only the City of Discovery, but also Aberdeen, Inverness, Edinburgh and Glasgow, next summer.

The Oor Wullie Big Bucket Trail will raise money for the ARCHIE Foundation, as well as Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity and Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity.

In Dundee, 30 statues will be on display at various locations from June to September, before being auctioned off to raise money for the ARCHIE Foundation – the official charity of Tayside Children’s Hospital.

Last night’s launch at DC Thomson’s Meadowside building follows the success of the original trail held in Dundee in 2016, which raised more than £883,000.

Friends and supporters of the ARCHIE Foundation, artists and representatives from local businesses attended the celebration.

David Wood, chief executive of the ARCHIE Foundation, said: “The people of Dundee really took the first Oor Wullie’s Bucket Trail to their hearts back in 2016 and we know they’ll do the same when the new Oor Wullies are on the streets next summer.

“We would encourage any local businesses or organisations to get in touch if they’d like to sponsor one of the statues and we’ll be looking for local artists soon too to submit their ideas for how we can design Oor Wullie in the most fun and creative ways.

“Most of all we’re looking forward to getting schools and communities involved in the trail, because children and families are at the heart of the project, with all the money raised in Dundee being spent in Dundee to help local sick children.”

There will also be an opportunity for youngsters to play a part in the event, with every school in Scotland in line to receive a Wee Oor Wullie sculpture of its own for pupils to decorate.

The trail is a Wild in Art event and is supported by DC Thomson Media.

The people of Dundee really took the first Oor Wullie’s Bucket Trail to their hearts. DAVID WOOD, ARCHIE FOUNDATION

Anew national art trail would have to feature a national treasure – so step forward lovable rogue Oor Wullie. Fresh from his success in Dundee, Wullie is more ambitious than ever, and is now targeting venues across Scotland.

The new trail promises to unite the country – and raise vital funds for the ARCHIE Foundation in the process.

It’s going to be awfy braw.

Pictures: Steven Brown/Kim Cessford. Clockwise from top left: Nicola and Abbie Richardson grab a selfie with Oor Wullie at the Bucket Trail launch: Claire Bush and Gail Gordon from the ARCHIE Foundation preparing for the launch event; Sing It Sign It perform for the guests.